Human resource management plays a critical role in the formulation and implementation of an organization's strategies related to its employees -- an essential ingredient in determining viable strategic options. Human resource management plays a pivotal role in a company's success through the following activities: recruiting, hiring, training and retaining competent employees, instituting effective performance appraisal as well as skills-oriented and/or pay-for-performance plans, reducing health care costs, ensuring compliance with human resource laws, and instituting employee commitment building practices. This specialization prepares students for effective functioning within the current and future frameworks and role of human resource management. That preparation is both conceptual and experientially oriented. The curriculum also prepares students for participation in The Society for Human Resource Management certification preparation program.